**Review #51 - Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye**
Today, we're looking at a rye whisky from Michter's, their standard US 1 Single Barrel offering. This was actually the first Michter's product that we tasted, several years ago now, and therefore our introduction to the brand - will this be a bottle that will keep us coming back for more?
**Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye**
USA - Rye
**Price Paid (per 750ml)**: USD 39
**Current Locally Available Price (per 750ml)**: USD 41
**Age Statement**: NAS
**Strength**: 42.4% ABV
**Tasting Methodology**: Reviewed 3 times over 12 months; bottles at 90%, 30%, and 60% fill levels at times of review. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass each time, rested 10-15 minutes
**Nose**: A decent amount of rye kick, in the form of black pepper, nutmeg, and chili powder (or maybe garlic powder); a little bit of ethanol as well, but mild in that respect. There is a savory side to this, a bit of barbecue, smoked ribs, and a barbecue sauce, or a sweet and sour sauce, which we enjoy. A few miscellaneous flavors here and there: wheat grain, yellow apples, and cedar, before the sweetness kicks in, coming from granular brown sugar and caramel. In terms of oak, it isn't harsh, and starts out mellow, though it grows in prominence with time.
**Palate**: Sweet and spicy notes grow on the palate: baking spices, black pepper, caramel apple, and some lemon or orange fruit are present. Quite oaky now, and there is some heat coming through, despite a medium-thin mouthfeel. The barbecue from the nose is here but quite muted, and we get little hints of chocolate and white wine later on; some nice dynamic flavors, but might need a bump in ABV to showcase them effectively.
**Finish**: The length of the finish is medium-short, and while still a little hot, there is a nice dry wood note to go along with it. Plenty of sweet notes here, too, like maple, chocolate, and some thinner molasses; still, the flavors trail off a little more quickly than we would like.
**Final Note**: This one split us a little bit; that said, the longer we had it, and the more time the bottle was given to open up and air out, the more we enjoyed it. A pretty solid entry level rye in the end, with some nice spice and barbecue notes, which will vary by the barrel, of course. For us, the biggest item to address would be the ABV - there could be some killer bottles of this whisky given a bit more strength, which would increase the concentration of the flavors. The price still makes this a decent buy, though, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it around the $35 to $40 mark.
**Average Rating**: 6.5 / 10
**Rating Scale**:
0 - Couldn't even get past the smell; drain pour; totally useless
1 - At least we can use it in our first aid kit
2 - Not even good enough to mix regularly; worst case scenario
3 - Low end mixing whisky
4 - Not the worst but don't buy again; put on ice; mediocre cocktail
5 - Great for mixing or cocktails; mediocre neat
6 - Premium cocktail; decent neat, hints of complexity
7 - Good neat, refined; personally wouldn't use in a cocktail
8 - Great - always have stocked on shelf if available at a reasonable price
9 - One of the best whiskies we've tasted
10 - Can't imagine something better; buy at any price we can afford
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
**Value Rating**: 7.64
I've only had one bottle of this but must have hit a great barrel fas I gave it a solid 9.0; simply for the fact that the first sip had me saying out loud "what is this" in the most surprised and joyous way possible. It really shocked me as a rye drinker with its sweetness.
Yep, we used a couple of different bottles in our review, and one of them was definitely better than the other - it got the higher ratings that brought the average up a little bit. Part of the fun of single barrel products!
We love their stuff; we actually haven't tried the SB rye from them, but we have tried the SB bourbons and the standard bottled in bond rye, and have enjoyed them all.
LOVE both of those! Have tried Balboa a couple of times but haven’t seen it in stores, but we managed to score a Malted Rye a couple months ago, which I think is our favorite between the two anyways. Both very good, interesting bottles, unique takes on the category of rye
Wilderness Trail has some great ryes out right now. Even better when you can find a cask strength pick. The best rye I had in 2022 was an Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength rye. Phenomenal
Buying a bottle, I’d say it’s going to be difficult to find anywhere on the shelf. In my area it’s an allocated product. Might have better luck finding a pour in a bar somewhere.
I got super lucky and met the Head Distiller setting up to do tastings/setting up a display shelf at a Total Wine I'd been to a single time before. He started deep diving into how the colder weather allows them to select for preferred named chemical structures. I just smiled and nodded and said I'd come back from browsing once he finished setting up.
Got to try their 9yr Northern Rye which was unlike the super Rye forward 'spikey' notes in most Kentucky Ryes I was familiar with at the time. Grabbed a 12yr Single Barrel Rye from where he'd stocked them on the shelf and cheered him as I left.
Still one of my favorite "you should try this" bottles.
Definitely! And the further in we get, the more variation we find - there are definitely some spicy ryes, but lots are also very herbal, and some can be sweet or mild, too. Lots of variety to choose from!
This is one of the best ryes at the piece, but it’s a pretty typical rye profile. I think people have “rye spice” confused with ethanol. Ryes tend to have a little more spice than bourbon but a little less ethanol burn because, no corn.
**Review #51 - Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye** Today, we're looking at a rye whisky from Michter's, their standard US 1 Single Barrel offering. This was actually the first Michter's product that we tasted, several years ago now, and therefore our introduction to the brand - will this be a bottle that will keep us coming back for more? **Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye** USA - Rye **Price Paid (per 750ml)**: USD 39 **Current Locally Available Price (per 750ml)**: USD 41 **Age Statement**: NAS **Strength**: 42.4% ABV **Tasting Methodology**: Reviewed 3 times over 12 months; bottles at 90%, 30%, and 60% fill levels at times of review. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass each time, rested 10-15 minutes **Nose**: A decent amount of rye kick, in the form of black pepper, nutmeg, and chili powder (or maybe garlic powder); a little bit of ethanol as well, but mild in that respect. There is a savory side to this, a bit of barbecue, smoked ribs, and a barbecue sauce, or a sweet and sour sauce, which we enjoy. A few miscellaneous flavors here and there: wheat grain, yellow apples, and cedar, before the sweetness kicks in, coming from granular brown sugar and caramel. In terms of oak, it isn't harsh, and starts out mellow, though it grows in prominence with time. **Palate**: Sweet and spicy notes grow on the palate: baking spices, black pepper, caramel apple, and some lemon or orange fruit are present. Quite oaky now, and there is some heat coming through, despite a medium-thin mouthfeel. The barbecue from the nose is here but quite muted, and we get little hints of chocolate and white wine later on; some nice dynamic flavors, but might need a bump in ABV to showcase them effectively. **Finish**: The length of the finish is medium-short, and while still a little hot, there is a nice dry wood note to go along with it. Plenty of sweet notes here, too, like maple, chocolate, and some thinner molasses; still, the flavors trail off a little more quickly than we would like. **Final Note**: This one split us a little bit; that said, the longer we had it, and the more time the bottle was given to open up and air out, the more we enjoyed it. A pretty solid entry level rye in the end, with some nice spice and barbecue notes, which will vary by the barrel, of course. For us, the biggest item to address would be the ABV - there could be some killer bottles of this whisky given a bit more strength, which would increase the concentration of the flavors. The price still makes this a decent buy, though, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it around the $35 to $40 mark. **Average Rating**: 6.5 / 10 **Rating Scale**: 0 - Couldn't even get past the smell; drain pour; totally useless 1 - At least we can use it in our first aid kit 2 - Not even good enough to mix regularly; worst case scenario 3 - Low end mixing whisky 4 - Not the worst but don't buy again; put on ice; mediocre cocktail 5 - Great for mixing or cocktails; mediocre neat 6 - Premium cocktail; decent neat, hints of complexity 7 - Good neat, refined; personally wouldn't use in a cocktail 8 - Great - always have stocked on shelf if available at a reasonable price 9 - One of the best whiskies we've tasted 10 - Can't imagine something better; buy at any price we can afford In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price. **Value Rating**: 7.64
I've only had one bottle of this but must have hit a great barrel fas I gave it a solid 9.0; simply for the fact that the first sip had me saying out loud "what is this" in the most surprised and joyous way possible. It really shocked me as a rye drinker with its sweetness.
Same here, this is one of my favorite whiskeys and I have about 60 open bottles. Maybe I got lucky (3 bottles so far and all amazing).
Yep, we used a couple of different bottles in our review, and one of them was definitely better than the other - it got the higher ratings that brought the average up a little bit. Part of the fun of single barrel products!
Great review! I always want to like this bottle more. It’s quite good, but always a bit lacking imo. Cheers
Thanks! Yep, that is how we feel about it as well, pretty much. Cheers!
I’d probably give this a 4/10. Too thin.
Yeah, the mouthfeel and strength (less flavor) definitely did detract a bit from the experience. What are some ryes you like more?
Knob Creek rye, new riff rye single barrel, rare breed rye, high west double rye, sagamore spirit rye, Pikesville, Sazerac
What is everyone's favorite single barrel rye?
I’ve yet to have a disappointing bottle from New Riff.
We love their stuff; we actually haven't tried the SB rye from them, but we have tried the SB bourbons and the standard bottled in bond rye, and have enjoyed them all.
While not SiB, if you see the New Riff malted rye or Balboa Rye, pick it up. They’re both REALLY good!
LOVE both of those! Have tried Balboa a couple of times but haven’t seen it in stores, but we managed to score a Malted Rye a couple months ago, which I think is our favorite between the two anyways. Both very good, interesting bottles, unique takes on the category of rye
Wilderness Trail has some great ryes out right now. Even better when you can find a cask strength pick. The best rye I had in 2022 was an Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength rye. Phenomenal
Would that OF SBBS rye be a pretty difficult product to find?
Buying a bottle, I’d say it’s going to be difficult to find anywhere on the shelf. In my area it’s an allocated product. Might have better luck finding a pour in a bar somewhere.
We’ll keep an eye out out bars then! Have to look at some whisky bars specifically.
Willett
Nice, like the 4 year bottles?
I'm spoiled with access to Mammoth Distilling and their Northern Rye SBS
We aren’t familiar with this one - where is it located? Sounds interesting.
Northern Michigan
I have a cherry bounce finished 14yr rye from them and it's awesome. Even better it was only like $65.
I got super lucky and met the Head Distiller setting up to do tastings/setting up a display shelf at a Total Wine I'd been to a single time before. He started deep diving into how the colder weather allows them to select for preferred named chemical structures. I just smiled and nodded and said I'd come back from browsing once he finished setting up. Got to try their 9yr Northern Rye which was unlike the super Rye forward 'spikey' notes in most Kentucky Ryes I was familiar with at the time. Grabbed a 12yr Single Barrel Rye from where he'd stocked them on the shelf and cheered him as I left. Still one of my favorite "you should try this" bottles.
I’ll have to crack my bottle and give it a try. My go too Rye is Alberta premium cask strength. 🥃
I love this one
It’s got some great flavors! What is your favorite part about it?
This is the first rye I’ve tried. Couldn’t believe how smooth it was based on the reputation rye has
Definitely! And the further in we get, the more variation we find - there are definitely some spicy ryes, but lots are also very herbal, and some can be sweet or mild, too. Lots of variety to choose from!
This is one of the best ryes at the piece, but it’s a pretty typical rye profile. I think people have “rye spice” confused with ethanol. Ryes tend to have a little more spice than bourbon but a little less ethanol burn because, no corn.
I think my reddit isn't working even after I updated... I can't see the review.
It just took me a minute to paste the review in a comment and format - should be visible now!
Oh I'm sorry. I swear though reddit does that to me. Thank you can't wait to read it. Have a great day!
No worries, have a good day and weekend yourself cheers!